Just days into training camp, the 49ers made a splash move by re-signing Deebo Samuel. The wide receiver returns to his former team after a brief stint with the Commanders. The deal is one year, worth $7 million, and Samuel wasted no time announcing his return on social media. George Kittle, who spent all six of Samuel's previous seasons in San Francisco as his teammate, reacted shortly after the news broke, posting on X, "Deeeeeebbbboooo," while tagging Samuel. He posted the same message under Samuel's Instagram post, where the wide receiver revealed he'll wear No. 19 again.
Samuel wasted no time reconnecting with his old identity, revealing he'll wear No. 19. That’s the number he wore during his first six NFL seasons in San Francisco. He had switched to No. 1 in 2024 with the Commanders and added 'Sr.' to his name, but he's back to basics now. Samuel wore the number from 2019 through 2023 before switching to No. 1.
Samuel joins an offense in transition. The 49ers added veteran Mike Evans, but their core remains Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Brock Purdy. Rookie De’Zhaun Stribling could become their third receiver if Ricky Pearsall, still recovering from a knee injury, sits out time. Samuel's return also provides insurance as Pearsall continues to recover from a lingering knee injury and with receiver Christian Kirk recently suffering a calf injury in the 49ers' first practice. If Pearsall misses the start of the season, Samuel would immediately slide into the No. 2 receiver role behind Evans.
This is Samuel’s eighth season, and his career numbers are strong. He has 406 receptions for 5,519 yards and 27 touchdowns through the air. He’s also rushed for 21 touchdowns. Last year with Washington, despite a shaky quarterback situation, he was still productive, catching 72 passes for 727 yards and five touchdowns. Samuel is coming off a productive season with the Commanders despite the team's inconsistency at quarterback. Starter Jayden Daniels appeared in just eight games. Samuel finished the year with 72 receptions for 727 yards and five touchdowns. He also rushed 17 times for 75 yards and another score. His return has received enthusiastic reactions from teammates, with Christian McCaffrey saying, "Deebo, he has such a presence on the field. When he's in the game, you have to account for him in so many different ways. He gives us all so much confidence. He's such a fun dude to play with and a game-breaker." Mike Evans added, "I love the way he plays the game. I think he's going to bring what he brought before to the team. That energy, that versatility. Hell of a pickup for us." Samuel’s versatility complements the 49ers' current offense, and his 12 games of playoff experience, along with his locker room leadership, could be major benefits as the team aims to make another deep playoff run following their Super Bowl LVIII loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2023 season.